FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2018

Contact:

Jesus A. Ruiz, (562) 908-8381

James Bolden, (562) 908-8482  

MEDIA RELEASE

DPSS AND AMAZON PARTNER TO CREATE A WISHLIST WEBSITE FOR TOY LOAN PROGRAM DONATIONS

LOS ANGELES - Just in time for #CyberMonday and #GivingTuesday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Toy Loan Program and Amazon have partnered to encourage charitable donations via the Amazon Wishlist website to benefit nine Toy Loan sites serving low-income communities.

With the support of the County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department and their Amazon partners, the new site is now available to bring the convenience of Amazon shopping to benefit thousands of families who rely on the Toy Loan Program.

“For 83 years, the County’s Toy Loan program has been a cherished part of so many childhoods,” said County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I remember experiencing the thrill of checking out a toy when my dad took me to the Toy Loan center at Manchester Park as a child. I am grateful to Amazon Smile for creating this site and bringing new energy and attention to this beloved program.”

Toy Loan is a voluntary community effort supported by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. There are currently 54 toy lending libraries located throughout the County.

The Amazon site, http://toydrive.lacounty.gov/ allows users to geographically select a Toy Loan Program site and have in-need Amazon Smile charity wish lists items shipped directly to the site.

The new partnership serves as a continuation of an existing effort by Amazon, #GivingTuesday, which is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. It’s a time when many tend to focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year.

For more information about the Toy Loan Program or a complete list of the nine Toy Loan sites where a charitable donation can be made, visit the Toy Loan Website or see below.

Interviews scheduled upon request.

#   #   #

About the DPSS Toy Loan Program

The DPSS Toy Loan Program was created in 1935 as a free service to allow children to borrow toys from a DPSS toy lending Library for one week in the same manner that books are borrowed from a library. Children borrow toys and develop a sense of responsibility through the observance of an honor code and merit system that gives praise and recognition when toys are returned on time and undamaged. A child can receive an Honor Award, a new toy to keep, by taking good care of the toy they borrowed and bringing the toy back on time. There are currently 54 toy lending libraries in Los Angeles County. Toy Loan is a voluntary community effort supported by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

About DPSS

With 3.5 million customers served by 14,000 employees, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services is the largest local social services agency in the nation. The Department currently provides benefits and services to families and individuals, including CalFresh food and nutrition assistance; Medi-Cal health, dental and vision insurance; financial and homeless assistance for qualifying individuals through the General Relief program and for families through the CalWORKs program; In-Home Supportive Services for disabled and elderly residents, and employment and supportive services to help residents prepare for the labor market. For more information, visit www.dpss.lacounty.gov.

Amazon Wishlist Toy Loan Sites 

• Salvation Army Los Angeles Day Care

  836 Stanford Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021

  The Salvation Army's Los Angeles Daycare Center has been providing daycare for the children of low-income parents since the 1930's. Cost is on a sliding fee scale. The site serves families working in the two-and-a-half square mile area that includes LA’s Fashion District, and Flower and Produce Markets.

   

• Los Angeles Mission College – Child Development Center

  13356 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342

  The Campus Child Development Center was established in 1975 as a service to the college's students. The primary goal of the program is to increase accessibility to college for non-traditional students. The center offers a quality learning experience for young children ages 2-5 and their families, and also serves as a field-training site for the college's instructional program. Parent volunteers are critical to the day-to-day operations. Priority enrollment is given to families that meet the following criteria:

  • Child Protective Services and At-Risk
  • Homeless
  • Children of Full-time student/parents that are low income
  • Children of low income or CalWORKs recipients
  • Children of Faculty/Staff
  • Children residing in the local community

   

• San Pedro Community and Service Center

  769 W. Third Street, San Pedro, CA 90731

  The Center provides child care and senior services to the community. The diverse activities include daily lunch service to the community as well as a Toy Loan Center, which has been in operation for over 15 years. Children can select toys from a dedicated on-site toy library.

   

• Potrero Heights Park Community and Senior Center

  8051 Arroyo Drive, Montebello, CA 90640

  Potrero Heights is located in Montebello, CA. The community center serves as a one-stop location for both seniors and children in the community. Classes are held throughout the day focused on the community. Exercise classes and knitting classes are continual for seniors. An after-school program offers children a safe place to play and participate in group activities.

   

• Antelope Valley Kids Connection

  2323 A Palmdale Boulevard, Palmdale, CA 93550

  The Los Angeles County Children’s System of Care is dedicated to enriching the lives of children from newborn to age 15 experiencing mental health challenges by providing a wide range of client-centered, family-focused services. They provide quality, strength-based mental health services to children to help them achieve success at school and in the community, and they strengthen and empower family relationships by fostering hope, wellness and resiliency. Children and families may access mental health services through a network of County-operated and contracted agencies providing services in the Antelope Valley.

   

• East Rancho Dominguez Service Center

  15116 South Atlantic Ave., Compton, CA 90221

  East Rancho Dominguez Service Center is a multi-purpose facility designed to enhance the community with a range of educational, social and recreational activities. Center staff network with other County departments and non-profit agencies to provide comprehensive information, referrals and services which include case management, outreach, computer access and a food pantry. There are over 100 children using the Toy Loan Center each month.

   

• Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services-Glendale

  1540 East Colorado Street, Glendale, CA 91205

  Didi Hirsch provides mental health treatment for young people experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. Services are provided at the Center, in the home, or on campuses of the Glendale and Alhambra Unified School Districts. They emphasize family involvement for lasting change. Short-term therapy is also available to families in immediate crisis. The children can share games and puzzles with family members, which allows them to connect in an effective way.

   

• Canoga Park Family Source Center

  21400 Saticoy Street, Canoga Park, CA 91304

  The Canoga Park Family Source Center is a one-stop community center offering a host of social, educational, work and family support services, including multi-benefit screening, pre-employment and employment supports. They provide youth education and cultural after-school activities, including tutoring and college access activities. Toy Loan members visit the Toy Loan Center weekly and participate in the 20-week honor party in which they each receive 10 new toys to keep. Other services include computer literacy, financial counseling and tax preparation, parenting, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and food distribution. There is on-site low-income housing.

   

• Downtown Los Angeles Site (Toy Loan Program Headquarters)

  2615 S. Grand Avenue, 2^nd Floor

  Los Angeles, CA 90007

  The Downtown Los Angeles Site serves as the administrative home to the DPSS Toy Loan Program. Toy donations are also collected at this site and distributed to support Toy Loan Centers.